Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

Tips for Writing a Research Paper

Pick a fun topic (if you’re given an option): Choose something you’re interested in or curious about. Researching your information will be more enjoyable and you’ll write with more enthusiasm.

Make an outline: This will give you a “blueprint” for your paper and keep your writing organized. See the Writing Center’s handout on outlining if you need a sample.

Consider a form of prewriting: Try writing note cards out with your ideas on them, or mapping your ideas with a web diagram, or just talking your ideas through by yourself or with a friend. These steps will help your organization and creativity, which in turn will help you avoid plagiarism.

Use transitions: Transitions should be a mix of the last sentences/ideas you wrote and what you’re going to say next. See the Writing Center’s handout on transitions for some ideas and sample phrases.

Balance your use of paraphrases, quotes, and your own sentences: Use more paraphrases and your own sentences than quotes. Remember to avoid plagiarism – you need to cite any ideas that do not come from you. This will include paraphrases, quotes, and even some of your own sentences that are based on ideas in your sources.

Keep a list of your sources: There are few things more frustrating than having to track down a source weeks after you first accessed it. To save yourself time and headaches, keep a running bibliography as you write; cite each source as you use it. That way you’ll have all the information you need right in front of you.

Know your style standards: Go into the paper knowing whether you’re writing in MLA, APA, or another style. Check a handbook or another reference for in-text citation styles, works cited/references page styles, and heading or title page formats. Even page number standards change between MLA and APA, so be sure you’re familiar with your style and its conventions.

Make your title last: Titles can be limiting; your writing can stray away from original thoughts. You can only be sure that your title is tailor-made for your paper if you compose it after the paper is complete. Note that some writers feel this approach works best for them concerning introductory paragraphs, concluding paragraphs, and thesis statements as well.